Mexican Beef Sopes

This recipe can be found at El Restaurante

Recipe and photo courtesy of Cattlemen’s Beef Board & National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Makes 12 servings


12 oz. pre-cooked shredded beef*

2 c. masa harina

2 T. all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling dough

1 t. baking powder

¾ t. salt, divided

1⅔ c. water

⅔ c. vegetable oil

¼ c. fresh lime juice

2 T. fresh orange juice

1 t. ground cumin

1 t. chile powder

½ t. ground coriander

½ t. garlic powder

1 Roma tomato, diced

¼ c. chopped pickled jalapeno pepper

½ c. refried black beans**

Garnish: Crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro leaves (optional)


    In a large bowl, combine masa harina, flour, baking power and ½ teaspoon salt. Slowly add water until a soft dough is formed. Transfer dough to floured surface; knead by hand for 5 minutes until dough is smooth. Cover in plastic and set aside.

    On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thick. Using cookie or biscuit cutter, cut into 2¼-inch circles. Re-roll remaining dough, as needed, to get 24 circles. Heat 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot; add oil. Fry sopes about 5 minutes or until golden brown and edges are crispy; turning once. Transfer sopes to paper towel-lined plate. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

     Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine beef, lime juice, orange juice, cumin, chile power, coriander, garlic powder and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Heat over medium heat until hot, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes and jalapeño peppers. Keep warm.


To plate: Top each sope with beans then beef mixture. Garnish with cheese and cilantro, as desired.


*You may substitute prepared shredded beef for pre-cooked shredded beef.


**Refried pinto beans may substituted for refried black beans.